Written by Dr. Earle M. from San Francisco, who got sober in June of 1953, this story was printed in the Second, Third, and Fourth Editions. Earle was a very active member of AA throughout his life, spreading its message of hope to those he touched in his medical practice, as well as countless alcoholics he met during his many world-wide travels. In his first year of sobriety, Earle met Bill W. in New York, became close friends, and frequently visited Bill and Lois at their home, Stepping Stones. Earle referred to Bill as one of his sponsors and is said to have taken his Fifth Step with Bill. Over the years, they discussed Bill’s bouts with depression and their shared interest in spiritual practices and quests for serenity.

In an interview published in the October 1995 edition of The Grapevine, Earle recounted a request that Bill W. made of him prior to Earle’s extended visit to southeast Asia. He quoted Bill as saying, “"Do me a favor. When you get over to Asia, see if you can investigate firsthand, the various religions in Asia. That means Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and Confucianism and ancestral worship and the whole shebang." And he said, "Stay in contact with me and maybe we can find something in those religions. After all, we've taken from William James, we've taken from all the Christian religions. Let's see what these others have."

Dr. Earle M. was sober 49 years when he died in 2003 at the age of 92.

Howard L, sober since January 1, 1988, presents this inspired reading of the Big Book and encourages listeners to revisit earlier podcast episodes that feature the main chapters and stories in the First Edition of the Big Book. Enjoy listening on our website, BigBookPodcast.com, or download and subscribe to the podcast for free at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. If you have a minute, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Also join our facebook group, Big Book Podcast Listeners, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with fellow listeners.